BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

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We purchase every product we review with our own funds —
we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

Why trust BestReviews?

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.

Shopping guide for best extension ladders

Last Updated December 2018

Most of us need a ladder now and again, whether we’re painting, putting up holiday decorations, or clearing out the gutters. Extension ladders, which can be adjusted to various heights, are particularly convenient when the job at hand is far from the ground.

Although you may have used an extension ladder on occasion, choosing one for purchase can seem quite daunting. For one thing, they’re sold in a wide range of lengths, from roughly 16 to 44 feet. What’s more, there are different “classes” of ladder to understand, and the various “extra” features (like leveling systems) can further complicate the decision-making process.

Here at BestReviews, we cut through the jargon and give you all the information you need to pick the right extension ladder for your needs. If you're ready to buy an extension ladder, please see our top picks for the best extension ladders. If you're still unsure what you need, please read our full shopping guide below.

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As long as you set your extension ladder properly, it’s safe to use by yourself. That said, many people feel more comfortable with a second person standing at the bottom to steady the base.

Do you need an extension ladder?

Before settling on a purchase, consider whether an extension ladder is really the right ladder for the tasks you want to perform.

Ask yourself the following questions:

How high off the ground is the job to be done?

If it's less than 17 feet from the ground, you might fare better with a multi-purpose ladder or a stepladder.

Is there a solid structure to support your ladder?

Extension ladders must lean against a sturdy wall or similar structure. If you prefer the freestanding variety, you'll have to look elsewhere.

Will you use it indoors or out?

Extension ladders are great for outdoor use, but they’re not generally safe for indoor use. To maximize safety, the top of the ladder should extend at least three feet further than the point of contact with the wall.

DID YOU KNOW?

Extension ladders aren't the only type of ladder, so it's important to make sure you select the correct product for your situation.

DID YOU KNOW?

You can lubricate your extension ladder's tracks with wax, but not regular lubricant (such as WD40) as it could make your ladder too slippery if the lubricant gets on the rungs.

DID YOU KNOW?

In warm temperatures, a fiberglass ladder is better. It doesn’t grow as hot to the touch as aluminum, and is less likely to warp or crack after prolonged heat exposure.

DID YOU KNOW?

Each year in the U.S. alone, roughly 164,000 people are treated in the ER for ladder-related injuries. Always use your ladder safely to avoid being one of them!

Extension ladder classes

Extension ladders come in five classes, sometimes referred to as "duty ratings." Make sure you get the right one to suit your requirements.

Type IAA — rugged

These ladders are designed for special duty and hold up to 375 lbs.

Type IA — industrial

These ladders are designed for extra-heavy duty and hold up to 300 lbs.

Type I — industrial

These ladders are designed for heavy duty and hold up to 250 lbs.

Type II — commercial

These ladders are designed for medium duty and hold up to 225 lbs.

Type III — household

These ladders are designed for light duty and hold up to 200 lbs.

EXPERT TIP

When choosing ladder length, know that the average two-story house measures about 20 feet tall to the top of the first floor and about 30 feet to the apex of the roof.

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EXPERT TIP

Do factor in the weight of the person using the ladder, and anything he/she will carry. The total weight shouldn't exceed the maximum weight your ladder can hold.

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EXPERT TIP

If you need to use your ladder on uneven ground, look for a model with a built-in leveling system. This will help the ladder remain stable in such conditions.

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EXPERT TIP

To be safe, you should never stand on the last two or three rungs before the point of contact. This will keep your center of gravity on the safe side and help prevent a fall.

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Considerations for selecting an extension ladder

Here are some of the main factors you should consider when choosing an extension ladder:

Length

Think about how tall your ladder must be for your highest need. The taller it is, the more expensive it will be. Taller ladders are also harder to store, so avoid going for the tallest ladder "just in case."

The length given in the manufacturer's specifications is the length of the ladder when fully extended. Because extension ladders are adjustable, you can usually set them at any height in one-inch increments from approximately half the length of the ladder to its full length.

Material

Most extension ladders are made from aluminum or fiberglass. If you work with electricity or near power lines, you must use a non-conductive, fiberglass ladder.

If electricity isn’t a concern, the choice of ladder material is yours. As a rule, fiberglass ladders are stronger than aluminum ladders, but poor-quality fiberglass models can crack.

Aluminum ladders are lighter and therefore easier to move from one place to another. They’re also often less expensive.

Feet

Most people never think twice about the feet of a ladder, but they're more functional than you might realize.

A quality extension ladder should have feet designed to reduce slippage. The feet should also swivel so that you can tip them up and dig the ends into soft ground. This makes the ladder more secure when you're using it on a soft surface, like a lawn.

Leveling system

Some extension ladders include a built-in leveling system, so they can be used on uneven ground.

Most leveling systems feature an adjustable section at the bottom of each leg. You adjust each half of the leveling system independently, making one side of the ladder longer than the other so you can use it sideways up a step or on an uneven surface.

Average safe reach is roughly four feet above the contact point of the ladder, and the ladder should extend at least three feet past that. So, the ladder’s length plus one foot is the furthest you can safely reach from the ground. So if the job is 25 feet off the ground, the ladder should be least 24 feet.

Extension ladder prices

Both the length of an extension ladder and its class/duty rating affect the cost.

On the lower end of the spectrum, you can find extension ladders for around $100. At the top end, expect prices exceeding $1,000.

Around $100

This will get you a short ladder (in the region of 16 feet) with a Type II or III duty rating, meaning it will hold no more than 225 lbs.

$200 to $300

For this price, you'll either get a shorter ladder with a better duty rating (for instance, a 16’ ladder with a Type IA rating) or a longer ladder with a lower duty rating (such as a 24’ ladder with a Type III rating).

$400 to $500

At this price point, you can find a medium-size ladder (24 to 28 feet) in a heavy-duty class (Type IA or Type IAA) or a longer ladder (36 to 40 feet) with a lower duty rating.

$600+

Once you surpass $600, you're in 40’ to 44’ ladder territory. Closer to $600, you'll find Type I and II models and those that are generally less sturdy and lower quality. But when you approach $1,000, you'll find more Type IA and IAA ladders that are likely to last a lifetime.

Extension ladders don't come cheap, but if you're only going to use it occasionally and don't require it to be too tall, you probably won't need to spend more than $300. The priciest ladders are almost exclusively used by professionals.

FAQ

Q. What is the safe angle for an extension ladder during use?

A. For every four feet of height between the ground and the ladder's point of contact with the supporting structure, there should be one foot of space between the base of the structure and the ladder’s bottom. For instance, if you lean your ladder against a 20-foot wall, the bottom of the ladder should be five feet from the base of the wall.

Q. How should I store my extension ladder?

A. To protect your ladder from corrosion, store it somewhere dry, such as a shed or garage. If you have a fiberglass ladder, it's important to keep it out of direct sunlight, as sunlight damages fiberglass.

Q. Is there anything I need to do to maintain my extension ladder?

A. Besides sheltering it from the elements, your extension ladder requires little maintenance. Wipe off grease or any other substance that might cause a person to slip when climbing the ladder, and regularly inspect it for any damage or heavy wear and tear.